Repeat offender sentenced to jail

A FORMER heroin addict has been jailed for four weeks for stealing a joint of beef from a supermarket.

Leanne English, 31, of Shakespeare Road, Burton was arrested by police earlier this week, along with her mum Lynne, 52.

The pair had stolen meat worth £33.16 from Aldi. Lynne English also stole £106 worth of clothes from Matalan.

The pair appeared at Burton Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Both pleaded guilty to theft, with Leanne English brought up from police cells.

Prosecuting, Sue Haynes, said: “Both defendants were stopped and the items were recovered. Lynne said she didn’t have enough money for the clothes so put them in her bag. Leanne admitted theft from Aldi and putting the meat in her mum’s carrier bag.”

The court heard that Leanne had been before the court in February where she was sentenced to 19 weeks in custody for breaking the conditions of a suspended sentence imposed in September for theft and assaulting two police officers.

Defending John Skinner, said: “You’ll be aware that there are significant underlying problems. Lynne has problems with drugs and is desperate for help. Leanne is slightly more complicated. She has a more lengthy record. She has issues with drugs and issues relating to the death of a partner in the last year.

“She has succeeded in overcoming a heroin addiction and is now supported by methadone.

“She is somebody who needs help and wants help to overcome her problems with drugs.”

He asked that Leanne be given the opportunity to prove to the court that she was genuine in wanting to battle her problems.

She was sent to jail for four weeks, and could be heard shouting as she was taken down.